How to Tell If Your Cat Is Healthy by Checking Their Litter Box

As a responsible cat owner, one of the best ways to monitor your cat's health is to keep an eye on the contents of the litter box. While this may not be a glamorous job, you can learn a lot about your cat's overall health from their feces. Changes in feces or urine can be an early warning sign of health problems in your cat, and noticing abnormalities in your cat's feces in a timely manner can help you take action before the problem becomes serious. In this guide, we'll break down what's normal, what's not, and when you should call your vet.

What Healthy Cat Poop Should Look Like

A cat’s stool is a key indicator of digestive health. Healthy cat poop should be:

Brown in color – A healthy stool is usually dark brown, but not too dark or black.

Firm but not too hard – The texture should be well-formed but not overly dry.

Not too smelly – While no cat poop smells great, an extremely foul odor could signal digestive issues or infections.

If your cat’s stool is consistently loose, watery, or greasy, it may indicate diarrhea, which can be caused by dietary issues, parasites, infections, or even stress. On the other hand, if it is dry, hard, and difficult to pass, your cat may be constipated. Dehydration, low-fiber diets, or underlying medical conditions can contribute to this problem.

What Your Cat’s Urine Can Tell You

Urine can reveal a lot about kidney function, hydration levels, and urinary health. Normal cat urine should be:

Pale yellow to light amber – Dark urine may indicate dehydration or liver issues.

Mild-smelling – A strong ammonia-like smell may be normal, but if it becomes overpowering or sweet-smelling, it could signal diabetes or infection.

Consistent in quantity – A sudden increase or decrease in urination could be a sign of kidney disease, diabetes, or a urinary tract issue.

Frequent urination, straining, or howling in the litter box could indicate a urinary tract infection (UTI), bladder stones, or even a life-threatening urinary blockage (especially in male cats). If your cat is visiting the litter box often but producing little or no urine, seek immediate veterinary care.

Litter Box Habits and Behavioral Clues

In addition to the appearance of the feces, changes in your cat's behavior in the litter box may indicate health problems. Here's what to look out for:

Sudden avoidance of the litter box - If your cat starts peeing outside the litter box, they may be suffering from a urinary condition, arthritis (climbing in and out of the litter box is painful), or an aversion to the litter box due to cleanliness or odor.

Excessive Digging or Covering - It is a cat's animal nature to cover up odors to avoid predators, and if a cat is stressed or the litter box odor is difficult to get rid of, they will over-cover their feces.

Diarrhea without defecation - This is a medical emergency, especially for male cats, as it can signal a urinary blockage.

The Role of a Clean and Comfortable Litter Box

A clean litter box is essential for monitoring your cat's health and encouraging good litter habits. Traditional plastic litter boxes attract odors and bacteria, making them not only difficult to clean, but also much less appealing to cats. You may want to consider switching to a stainless steel litter box:

Tightly constructed and odor-resistant - controls odors and prevents bacteria buildup.

Easy to clean - no stains or scratches, no waste, and no odors left behind.

Durable and long-lasting - Unlike plastic, it won't crack, absorb moisture or wear out over time.

If your cat has unique defecation habits or enjoys digging in the dirt, a high-sided or enclosed stainless steel litter box can also help keep your home clean while providing a comfortable, sanitary space for your cat.

When to Call the Vet

If you notice any of the following signs, don’t ignore them—schedule a vet visit:
❌ Diarrhea or constipation lasting more than 48 hours
❌ Blood in stool or urine
❌ Straining or crying in the litter box
❌ Frequent urination or sudden accidents
❌ Extreme odor changes in waste

Final Thoughts

Your cat’s litter box isn’t just a chore—it’s a health monitoring tool. By paying attention to your cat’s poop, urine, and litter box habits, you can catch potential health problems early and keep your furry friend happy and healthy. 

Would you like to make cleaning easier and keep your cat’s space fresh? Upgrade to a stainless steel litter box today!